Louis Charles Gottsponer, Sr., of St. Vincent died Friday, Oct. 13 at CHI St. Vincent Hospital Morrilton. He was 78.
Louis was born at home Feb. 2, 1939, in St. Vincent, one of nine children born to Joe and Carrie Vetter Gottsponer. He graduated high school at Sacred Heart Academy in Morrilton, then served in the U.S. National Guard. He married Mary Francis Clifton on Oct. 27, 1962, and they raised their five children in Morrilton and St. Vincent. During his career, he worked as a welder, was employed in a cotton textile mill, managed the service department at a car dealership and was a cattleman and landowner. He had a great love for horses, hunting, fishing, and a variety of outdoor activities, especially gardening.
Louis was a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church in St. Vincent, where he served as a eucharistic minister and usher, and served several terms on parish council boards. He was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Father William M. Beck, Assembly #2081. He loved and served his community in several capacities, including volunteer firefighter, school board member and, most recently, justice of the peace for Conway County.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Francis Gottsponer, of the home; three sons: Louis C. Gottsponer Jr. (and his wife,Cathy) of Madison, Ind.; Jim Gottsponer (and his wife, Marilyn) of Fayetteville; Mark Gottsponer (and his wife, Cindy) of Scotland; two daughters:Michelle Warren (and her husband, Lucky) of Morrilton; and Angela Gottsponer of Addison, Texas; one brother, Herman Gottsponer of Morrilton; two sisters:Theresa Owens of St. Peters, Mo., and Clara Acklin of Morrilton; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A rosary service was held Oct. 16 at Harris Funeral Home in Morrilton. Funeral services were held Oct. 17, at St. Mary Church, 11 Kaufman Lane, in St. Vincent, followed by a drop-in lunch at the church hall. Burial will be at St. Mary Parish Cemetery.
Arrangements are being made through Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton.
